3:1   My child, don't forget what I teach you. Always remember what I tell you to do.

3:2   My teaching will give you a long and prosperous life.

3:3   Never let go of loyalty and faithfulness. Tie them around your neck; write them on your heart.

3:4   If you do this, both God and people will be pleased with you.

3:5   Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.

3:6   Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.

3:7   Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the LORD and refuse to do wrong.

3:8   If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains.

3:9   Honor the LORD by making him an offering from the best of all that your land produces.

3:10   If you do, your barns will be filled with grain, and you will have too much wine to store it all.

3:11   My child, when the LORD corrects you, pay close attention and take it as a warning.

3:12   The LORD corrects those he loves, as parents correct a child of whom they are proud.

3:13   Happy is anyone who becomes wise---who comes to have understanding.

3:14   There is more profit in it than there is in silver; it is worth more to you than gold.

3:15   Wisdom is more valuable than jewels; nothing you could want can compare with it.

3:16   Wisdom offers you long life, as well as wealth and honor.

3:17   Wisdom can make your life pleasant and lead you safely through it.

3:18   Those who become wise are happy; wisdom will give them life.

3:19   The LORD created the earth by his wisdom; by his knowledge he set the sky in place.

3:20   His wisdom caused the rivers to flow and the clouds to give rain to the earth.

3:21   My child, hold on to your wisdom and insight. Never let them get away from you.

3:22   They will provide you with life---a pleasant and happy life.

3:23   You can go safely on your way and never even stumble.

3:24   You will not be afraid when you go to bed, and you will sleep soundly through the night.

3:25   You will not have to worry about sudden disasters, such as come on the wicked like a storm.

3:26   The LORD will keep you safe. He will not let you fall into a trap.

3:27   Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.

3:28   Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.

3:29   Don't plan anything that will hurt your neighbors; they live beside you, trusting you.

3:30   Don't argue with others for no reason when they have never done you any harm.

3:31   Don't be jealous of violent people or decide to act as they do,

3:32   because the LORD hates people who do evil, but he takes righteous people into his confidence.

3:33   The LORD puts a curse on the homes of the wicked, but blesses the homes of the righteous.

3:34   He has no use for conceited people, but shows favor to those who are humble.

3:35   Wise people will gain an honorable reputation, but stupid people will only add to their own disgrace.